Whether authoritarian or democratic, rightist or leftist, populism has been the most pervasive political ideology in Latin American politics for nearly a century. Yet populist leaders, while extremely effective at attracting mass support, have also contributed decisively to the region's failure to develop economically and politically. Populism, especially when practiced by undemocratic leaders, has been one of the biggest impediments to the adoption of policies that these countries need to meet their peoples' aspirations for well-being and social justice. Populist leaders exhibit an eloque…
